System and method for integrating a home media system and other home systems

ABSTRACT

A system and method for integrating a home media system and other home systems. As a non-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide a system and method that flexibly and efficiently provide communication and/or resource sharing between a home media system and various other home systems.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The present application is related to U.S. application Ser. No.14/725,904, filed May 29, 2015, titled “Multi-zone Media System andMethod for Providing Multi-zone Media;” U.S. application Ser. No.14/726,019, filed May 29, 2015, titled “System and Method for ProvidingUser Location-based Multi-zone Media;” and U.S. application Ser. No.14/726,109, filed May 29, 2015, titled “System and Method for Selectingand Providing Zone-Specific Media;” the contents of each of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND

Present systems and methods for providing communication between the userand various systems of a premises, for example between the user andvarious home systems, are inadequate. Further limitations anddisadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will becomeapparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of suchapproaches with the present disclosure as set forth in the remainder ofthe present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in andconstitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrateexamples of the present disclosure and, together with the description,serve to explain various principles of the present disclosure. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example multi-zone media environment, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an example home network environment, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example home network environment, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example home network environment, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method for integrating sensoraspects of home systems, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method for integrating mediaoutput aspects of home systems, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method for integrating mediaoutput aspects of home systems, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example method for integrating multi-waycommunication aspects of home systems, in accordance with variousaspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example media system component, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an example media system component, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Various aspects of this disclosure provide a system and method forintegrating a home media system and other home systems. As anon-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide asystem and method that flexibly and efficiently provide communicationand/or resource sharing between a home media system and various otherhome systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following discussion presents various aspects of the presentdisclosure by providing various examples thereof. Such examples arenon-limiting, and thus the scope of various aspects of the presentdisclosure should not necessarily be limited by any particularcharacteristics of the provided examples. In the following discussion,the phrases “for example,” “e.g.,” and “exemplary” are non-limiting andare generally synonymous with “by way of example and not limitation,”“for example and not limitation,” and the like.

As utilized herein the terms “circuits” and “circuitry” refer tophysical electronic components (i.e. hardware) and any software and/orfirmware (“code”) which may configure the hardware, be executed by thehardware, and or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As usedherein, for example, a particular processor and memory may comprise afirst “circuit” when executing a first one or more lines of code and maycomprise a second “circuit” when executing a second one or more lines ofcode. Similarly, the term “module” may be utilized herein to refer to apure hardware module and/or a hybrid hardware/software module (e.g., aprocessor that operates in accordance with software instructions storedin a memory or other non-transitory medium).

As utilized herein, “and/or” means any one or more of the items in thelist joined by “and/or”. As an example, “x and/or y” means any elementof the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/ory” means “one or both of x and y.” As another example, “x, y, and/or z”means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x,z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and/or z” means “one ormore of x, y, and z.” As utilized herein, the term “exemplary” meansserving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. Asutilized herein, the terms “e.g.” and “for example” set off lists of oneor more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As utilizedherein, circuitry is “operable” to perform a function whenever thecircuitry comprises the necessary hardware and code (if any isnecessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance ofthe function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by a user-configurablesetting, factory trim, etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexamples only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. Asused herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural formsas well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will befurther understood that the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “has,”“comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another element. Thus, for example, a first element, afirst component or a first section discussed below could be termed asecond element, a second component or a second section without departingfrom the teachings of the present disclosure. Similarly, various spatialterms, such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” and the like, may be used indistinguishing one element from another element in a relative manner. Itshould be understood, however, that components may be oriented indifferent manners, for example a device may be turned sideways so thatits “top” surface is facing horizontally and its “side” surface isfacing vertically, without departing from the teachings of the presentdisclosure.

Various aspects of the present disclosure a system and method forintegrating a home media system and other home systems. As anon-limiting example, various aspects of this disclosure provide asystem and method that flexibly and efficiently provide communicationand/or resource sharing between a home media system and various otherhome systems.

The above and other aspects of the present disclosure will be describedin or be apparent from the following description of various exampleimplementations.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example multi-zone media environment 100, inaccordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

The example environment 100 comprises a variety of loudspeakers andgroups thereof, spaced throughout an example premises (e.g., a home orprivate residence, office, campus, etc.). The discussion of variousexamples herein will often refer to the example environment 100. Thoughthe example environment 100 and related examples are generally presentedin the context of audio media system integration, it should beunderstood that the example environment 100 and all examples presentedherein readily extend to the presentation of other forms of media (e.g.,video media, etc.). Additionally, though the example environment 100 asdiscussed herein generally focuses on areas (or zones) within a premisesstructure (e.g., within a home, within an office, etc.), it should beunderstood that a premises in this discussion generally includes outdoorareas (e.g., a patio, deck, driveway, yard, sidewalk, car port, etc.) aswell as indoor areas, unless otherwise specified.

The example environment 100 may, for example, comprise a first group ofloudspeakers 110, which may also be referred to herein as a zone (orarea). The first group of loudspeakers 110 may, for example, correspondto a first area (or audio zone) of a premises, for example a familyroom, media room, etc. The first group of loudspeakers 110 may, forexample, comprise a central media controller 111. The central mediacontroller 111 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety ofcentral media controllers (e.g., an entertainment center, audioreceiver, home media hub, home audio server, general purpose computeroperating in accordance with software instructions, an Internet mediaaccess point or content server, etc.). The central media controller 111may generally, for example, manage the presentation of media contentthroughout the example environment 100. Though the example environment100 is generally shown and discussed as having a central mediacontroller 111, it should be understood that the environment 100 mayalso operate in a mesh-type or decentralized or distributedconfiguration. For example, as will be discussed herein, any of themedia devices (e.g., loudspeakers, etc.) discussed herein may performany or all of the control functionality discussed herein.

The first group of loudspeakers 110 may also, for example, comprise afirst (e.g., front left) loudspeaker 112, a second (e.g., front right)loudspeaker 113, a third (e.g., rear right) loudspeaker 114, and afourth (e.g., rear left) loudspeaker 115. The central media controller111 may also, for example, comprise a loudspeaker (e.g., integratedwithin the controller housing). Each of the first group of loudspeakers110 may, for example, be operated independently or may be operated as asingle group. Each of the first group of loudspeakers 110 may, forexample, operate under the control of the central media controller 111and/or operate autonomously. Note that the designations of theloudspeakers as left, right, front, rear, center, etc. may, but neednot, refer to audio spatial arrangements generally synonymous withvarious loudspeaker arrangements (e.g., stereo, surround sound,monaural, etc.).

The example environment 100 may also, for example, comprise a secondgroup of loudspeakers 120. The second group of loudspeakers 120 may, forexample, comprise a first (e.g., right) loudspeaker 121 and a second(e.g., left) loudspeaker 122. The second group of loudspeakers 120 may,for example, correspond to a second area (or audio zone) of a premises,for example a kitchen or dining room, a break room, etc. Each of thesecond group of loudspeakers 120 may, for example, be operatedindependently or may be operated as a single group. Each of the secondgroup of loudspeakers 120 may, for example, operate under the control ofthe central media controller 111 and/or operate autonomously. Also forexample, any or all of the second group of loudspeakers 120 may operatewith any or all of the other loudspeakers in the environment 100.

The example environment 100 may additionally, for example, comprise athird group of loudspeakers 130. The third group of loudspeakers 130may, for example, comprise a first (e.g., central) loudspeaker 131, asecond (e.g., right) loudspeaker 132, and a third (e.g., left)loudspeaker 133. The third group of loudspeakers 130 may, for example,correspond to a third area (or zone) of a premises, for example a masterbedroom, garage, shop, etc. Each of the third group of loudspeakers 130may, for example, be operated independently or may be operated as asingle group. Each of the third group of loudspeakers 130 may, forexample, operate under the control of the central media controller 111and/or operate autonomously. Also for example, any or all of the thirdgroup of loudspeakers 130 may operate with any or all of the otherloudspeakers in the environment 100.

The example environment 100 may further, for example, comprise aloudspeaker 141 in a fourth area (or room or zone) (e.g., in a masterbath), a loudspeaker 151 in a fifth area (e.g., in a guest bath), aloudspeaker 161 in a sixth area (e.g., in a guest room), and aloudspeaker 171 in a seventh area (e.g., in an office). Though manyexamples presented herein include audio content presentation examples,the scope of this disclosure is not limited to audio content. Forexample, any or all of the loudspeakers shown and discussed herein maybe video devices or audio/video devices without departing from thespirit and scope of this disclosure.

The example environment 100 may also comprise a security system (e.g., ahome security system). For example, the environment 100 may comprise asecurity controller 211 that is communicatively coupled to any of avariety of security devices (e.g., infrared detectors, motion detectors,sound detectors, gas sensors, vibration sensors, cameras, microphones,scales, static sensors, touch pads, retinal scanners, fingerprintscanners, biometric detectors, alarm devices, emergency communicationdevices, etc.).

As shown in the example environment 100, the security system maycomprise a plurality of stand-alone security devices. For example, thesecond area of the premises may comprise a second security device 220,the fourth area of the premises may comprise a fourth security device240, and the fifth area of the premises may comprise a fifth securitydevice 250. As discussed herein, any of such security devices may alsobe communicatively coupled to any or all of the media system components(e.g., the media controller 111, speakers, etc.) in addition to thesecurity system. Such security devices may be communicatively coupled toany or all other components of the premises through direct one-to-onecommunication links, through central controllers, through one or morenetworks (e.g., local or personal area networks), etc.

As discussed herein, devices that may be utilized as security devices(e.g., sensors, etc.) may be incorporated into media devices and/or maybe communicatively coupled to media devices. For example, a loudspeakermay comprise a motion detector sensor, a video monitor may comprise acarbon monoxide sensor, etc. For example, a sensor may be attached toand/or located within a loudspeaker or video display housing. In theexample environment 100, the fourth loudspeaker 115 of the first group110 may comprise a sensor 215 that may be utilized as a security device.Also, the third loudspeaker 133 of the third group 130 may comprise asensor 233 that may be utilized as a security sensor, the loudspeaker161 in the sixth area may comprise a sensor 261 that may be utilized asa security sensor, and the loudspeaker 171 in the seventh area maycomprise a sensor 271 that may be utilized as a security sensor. Forexample, each of such sensors may be utilized by one or more systems.For example, the sensor 215 may be utilized by the premises media systemand/or by the premises security system and/or by the premises automationsystem.

Such sensors, which may also be referred herein to as security devices,may be communicatively coupled to any or all other components of thepremises through direct one-to-one communication links, through centralcontrollers, through one or more communication networks (e.g., local orpersonal area networks), in any of a variety of different architectures(e.g., in a star configuration, in a ring configuration, in a meshconfiguration, etc.), etc. For example, such sensor may becommunicatively coupled to the security system controller 211 directly,via one or more communication network routers, via one or morecomponents of the premises media system (e.g., via the media controller111 and/or media devices coupled thereto), etc.

The example environment 100 may also comprise an automation (or control)system (e.g., a home automation system). For example, the environment100 may comprise a home automation system controller 311 that iscommunicatively coupled to any of a variety of automation devices (e.g.,thermometers, thermostats, light meters, switches, dimmers, heatingventilation and air conditioner (HVAC) monitors or controls, appliancesensors and controls, timers, moisture or humidity sensors, etc.).

As shown in the example environment 100, the premises automation systemmay comprise a plurality of stand-alone automation devices. For example,the first area (or zone) of the premises may comprise a first automationdevice 310, and the second area of the premises may comprise a secondautomation device 320. As discussed herein, any of such automationdevices may also be communicatively coupled to any or all of the mediasystem components (e.g., the media controller 111, speakers, etc.) inaddition to the automation system. Such automation devices may becommunicatively coupled to any or all other components of the premisesthrough direct one-to-one communication links, through centralcontrollers, through one or more networks (e.g., local or personal areanetworks), etc.

As discussed herein, devices that may be utilized as automation devices(e.g., sensors, controls, etc.) may be incorporated into media devicesand/or may be communicatively coupled to media devices. For example, aloudspeaker may comprise a moisture sensor, a video monitor may comprisea thermometer, etc. For example, a device may be attached to and/orlocated within a loudspeaker or video display housing. In the exampleenvironment 100, the first loudspeaker 131 of the third group 130 maycomprise a device 331 that may be utilized as an automation device.Also, the loudspeaker 141 of the fourth area may comprise a device 341that may be utilized as an automation device, the loudspeaker 151 of thefifth area may comprise a device 351 that may be utilized as anautomation device, the loudspeaker 161 in the sixth area may comprise adevice 361 that may be utilized as an automation device, and theloudspeaker 171 in the seventh area may comprise a device 371 that maybe utilized as an automation device. For example, each of such devicesmay be utilized by one or more systems. For example, device 331 may beutilized by the premises media system and/or by the premises automationsystem and/or by the premises security system.

Such devices, which may also be referred to herein as automationdevices, may be communicatively coupled to any or all other componentsof the premises through direct one-to-one communication links, throughcentral controllers, through one or more communication networks (e.g.,local or personal area networks), etc. For example, such devices may becommunicatively coupled to the automation system controller 311directly, via one or more communication network routers, via one or morecomponents of the premises media system (e.g., the media controller 111and/or media devices coupled thereto), etc.

As explained herein, the various components of the premises or homesystems (e.g., the premises media system, premises security system,premises automation system, etc.) may be communicatively coupled to eachother in any of a variety of manners. Non-limiting examples of suchcommunicative coupling are shown in FIGS. 2-4.

Referring to FIG. 2, such figure is a diagram of an example home (orpremises) network environment 200, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. The example environment 200 may, for example,share any or all characteristics with the example environment 100 shownin FIG. 1 and discussed herein.

The example environment 200 may, for example, comprise a home (orpremises) media system 201. The home media system 201 may, for example,share any or all characteristics with the media system shown in FIG. 1(e.g., media controller 111, media devices, etc.). The primary purposeof the home media system 201 may, for example, be to provide mediacontent (e.g., audio content, video content, etc.), for example sound toone or more media presentations zones in a premises. For example, thehome media system 201 may be generally adapted to provide music, audioprograms, talk radio, etc. throughout a home. The example environment200 may also, for example, comprise a home (or premises) security system202. The home security system 202 may, for example, share any or allcharacteristics with the security system shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., securitycontroller 211, security devices, etc.). The example environment 200may, for example, comprise a home (or premises) automation system 203.The home automation system 203 may, for example, share any or allcharacteristics with the automation system shown in FIG. 1 (e.g.,automation controller 311, automation devices, etc.).

The home media system 201, home security system 202, and home automationsystem 203 are communicatively coupled to each other through acommunication network 205. For example, the home media system 201 (e.g.,a media controller, media devices, etc.) may communicate with the homesecurity system 202 (e.g., a security system controller, securitydevices, etc.) through the communication network 205. Also for example,the home media system 201 (e.g., a media controller, media devices,etc.) may communicate with the home automation system 203 (e.g., anautomation controller, automation devices, etc.) through thecommunication network 205. Additionally for example, the home securitysystem 202 (e.g., a security system controller, security devices, etc.)may communicate with the home automation system 203 (e.g., an automationcontroller, automation devices, etc.) through the communication network205.

The communication network 205 may, for example, comprise characteristicsof any one or more of a variety of types of communication networks(e.g., local area networks, personal area networks, wide area networks,etc.). For example, the communication network 205 may comprise any oneor more of a variety of communication media (e.g., wired, wireless,tethered optical, non-tethered optical, cable, telephone line, powerline, etc.) utilizing any one or more of a variety of communicationprotocols (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, MoCA, TCP/IP, cellularprotocols, cable network protocols, optical network protocols, etc.).The communication network 205 may, for example, comprise one or morerouters 207 to manage traffic between the nodes of the communicationnetwork 205.

In the example environment 200, the home media system 201, home securitysystem 202, and home automation system 203 are each shown with arespective communication interface front end that manages respectivecommunications with the communication network 205 and/or with each othervia the communication network 205. Each of the separate systems may, forexample, comprise a single point of contact (e.g., at their respectivecontrollers) with which other systems may communicate. FIG. 3 shows anexample system environment 300 in which respective system controllersmay communicate directly with each other through the communicationnetwork 205, but in which communication with the individual devices(e.g., non-controller devices) in each system is managed by therespective system controller.

More particularly, FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example home (or premises)network environment 300, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The example environment 300 may, for example, shareany or all characteristics with the example environment 100 shown inFIG. 1 and/or the example environment 200 shown in FIG. 2, which arediscussed herein. For example, the example environment 300 logicallyarranges aspects of the example environments 200 and 100 into primaryrespective systems.

For example, the example home media system 201 is shown as a groupcomprising the media controller 111 and media devices 112, 113, 114,115, 121, 122, 131, 132, 133, 141, 151, 161, and 171. As shown, themedia devices 112-171 are grouped with the media controller 111, eventhough as discussed herein at least some of such media devices, orcomponents thereof, may be utilized by the home security system 202and/or the home automation system 203. Similarly, the sensor devices215, 233, 261, and 271 are each grouped with respective media devices115, 133, 161, and 171 with which they are integrated or logicallyassociated; and the devices 331, 341, 351, 361, and 371 are each groupwith respective media devices 131, 141, 151, 161, and 171 with whichthey are integrated or logically associated. Also for example, theexample home security system 202 is shown as a group comprising thesecurity controller 211 and security devices 220, 240, and 250. Asshown, the security devices 220, 240, and 250 are grouped with thesecurity controller 211, even though as discussed herein at least someof such security devices may be utilized by the home media system 201and/or the home automation system 203. Additionally for example, theexample home automation system 203 is shown as a group comprising theautomation controller 311 and automation devices 310 and 320. As shown,the automation devices 310 and 320 are grouped with the automationcontroller 311, even though as discussed herein at least some of suchautomation devices may be utilized by the home media system 201 and/orthe home security system 202.

As also shown in FIG. 2, the home media system 201, home security system202, and home automation system 203 are communicatively coupled to eachother through a communication network 205. For example, the home mediasystem 201 (e.g., a media controller, media devices, etc.) maycommunicate with the home security system 202 (e.g., a security systemcontroller, security devices, etc.) through the communication network205. Also for example, the home media system 201 (e.g., a mediacontroller, media devices, etc.) may communicate with the homeautomation system 203 (e.g., an automation controller, automationdevices, etc.) through the communication network 205. Additionally forexample, the home security system 202 (e.g., a security systemcontroller, security devices, etc.) may communicate with the homeautomation system 203 (e.g., an automation controller, automationdevices, etc.) through the communication network 205. Variousnon-limiting aspects of the example communication network 205 werepresented in the discussion of FIG. 2 and are presented elsewhereherein.

In the example environment 300, the home media system 201, home securitysystem 202, and home automation system 203 are each shown with arespective communication interface front end, located in a respectivecontroller 111, 211, and 311, which manages respective communicationswith and through the network 205. Each of the separate systems may, forexample, comprise a single point of contact (e.g., at their respectivecontrollers) with which other systems may communicate. In an example inwhich the communication network 205 comprises a Wi-Fi wireless network,each of the controllers 111, 211, and 311 may comprise one or morerespective Wi-Fi addresses on the network.

In the example environment 300 the media system controller 111, securitysystem controller 211, and automation system controller 311 maycommunicate with each other directly through the communication network205, and may utilize various resources of the other systems via theirrespective controllers. For example, the security system controller 211may communicate with the media system controller 111 to utilize any orall of the devices of the media system 201 and/or may communicate withthe automation system controller 311 to utilize any or all of thedevices of the automation system 203. Also for example, the automationsystem controller 311 may communicate with the media system controller111 to utilize any or all of the devices of the media system 201 and/ormay communicate with the security system controller 211 to utilize anyor all of the devices of the security system 202. Additionally forexample, the security system controller 211 may communicate with themedia system controller 111 to utilize any or all of the devices of themedia system 201 and/or may communicate with the automation systemcontroller 311 to utilize any or all devices of the automation system203. Though for illustrative purposes the discussion herein primarilyconcerns resource sharing between the media system 201 and the othersystems (e.g., the security system 202 and the automation system 203),the various aspects of this disclosure readily apply to resource sharingbetween the security system 202 and the automation system 203 and/orother systems (e.g., home or premises systems).

In the environment or network architecture shown in FIG. 3, a respectivecontroller for a system (e.g., the media system controller 111 of themedia system 201) may, for example, readily maintain control over theuse of the system's resources by the other systems. For example, in ascenario in which the security system controller 211 desires to utilizea motion sensor 233 of a speaker 133, the security system controller 211may communicate a request for such utilization to the media systemcontroller 111. The media system controller 111 may then, for example,determine whether the requested utilization is allowed and/or may managethe utilization of the resource. In another example scenario in whichthe automation system controller 311 desires to utilize a temperaturesensor 341 of a speaker 141, the automation system controller 311 maycommunicate a request for such utilization to the media systemcontroller. In yet another example scenario in which the automationsystem controller 311 desires to utilize a loudspeaker resource 151 toconduct a two-way communication with a user, the automation systemcontroller 311 may communicate with the media system controller 111 tomanage the utilization.

In the example environment 300, each of the system controllers 111, 211,and 311 comprises a respective communication interface with its systemresources (e.g., non-controller devices). For example, the media system111 comprises a communication interface with which it can directlycommunicate with the resources of the media system 201. Thecommunication between the media system 111 and the resources of themedia system 201 may, for example, be conducted via a communicationnetwork or portion (e.g., channel) thereof to which the home securitysystem 202 and/or the home automation system 203 might not have access.For example, each of the systems 201, 202, and 203 may operate over arespective communication network that is not open to the other systems(e.g., different respective communication media, different respectiveprotocols, different respective channels of a same communicationnetwork, etc.). Similarly, the security system controller 211 maycomprise a communication interface with which it can directlycommunicate with the resources of the security system 202, and the homeautomation system controller 311 may comprise a communication interfacewith which it can directly communicate with the resources of theautomation system 203.

In various example implementations, the communication between componentsof each of the systems 201, 202, and 203 may be performed over a singlecommon communication network (e.g., a local area network for a premisesor home, a wide area network, the Internet, etc.). For example, any orall components of the various systems 201, 202, and 203 may becommunicatively coupled to and/or accessible over a single commoncommunication network. FIG. 4 provides an example of such aconfiguration.

In particular, FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example home networkenvironment 400, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure. As opposed to the example environments 200 and 300 of FIGS.2 and 3, the example network environment 400 comprises all of thecomponents (or resources or devices) of each of the premises (or home)systems communicatively coupled to a same common communication network(e.g., a premises-based or home-based communication network).

For example, the media controller 111 and the various media devicesthereof 112-171 are communicatively coupled to the network 205. Thevarious sensors and other devices (e.g., 215, 233, 261, 271, 331, 341,351, 361, and 371), which may be utilized as security devices and/orautomation devices, may be directly coupled to the communication network205 and/or may be coupled to the communication network 205 through theirrespective media devices. For example, a sensor 215 (e.g., a motiondetector, light detector, gas sensor, microphone, etc.) integrated witha media device 115 (e.g., a loudspeaker) may be directly coupled to thecommunication network 205 and/or may communicate with the communicationnetwork 205 through interface circuitry of the media device 115. Thesecurity controller 211 may then access the sensor 215 through thecommunication network 205 accordingly. Also for example, a device 361(e.g., a thermometer, a light sensor, switch, etc.) integrated with amedia device 161 (e.g., a video monitor) may be directly coupled to thecommunication network 205 and/or may communication with thecommunication network 205 through interface circuitry of the mediadevice 161. The automation controller 311 may then access the device 361through the communication network 205 accordingly.

Similarly, the security controller 211 and the various security devices(e.g., 220, 240, and 250) may be directly coupled to the communicationnetwork 205 and/or coupled to the communication network 205 throughintermediate devices. Also, the automation controller 310 and thevarious automation devices (e.g., 310 and 320) may be directly coupledto the communication network 205 and/or coupled to the communicationnetwork 205 through intermediate devices.

Direct coupling between the various media system, security system,and/or automation system components and the common communication network205 may provide various advantages. For example, the media systemcontroller 111 need not be powered up for the security system 202 and/orautomation system 203 to utilize resources of the media system 201.Similarly, the security system controller 211 need not be powered up forthe media system 201 and/or automation system 203 to utilize resourcesof the security system 202, and the automation system controller 311need not be powered up for the media system 201 and/or the securitysystem 202 to utilize resources of the automation system 203.

It should be noted that any of a variety of communication networkconfigurations may be utilized to communicatively couple any of thecomponents discussed herein. For example, any or all of the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 1-4 may be communicatively coupled in a meshconfiguration (e.g., in a propriety architecture and/or in accordancewith a standard communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.)and/or may form ad hoc communication networks.

Various aspects of this disclosure will now be presented in discussionsof various example method flows. It should be understood that the methodflows are presented and discussed as mere examples of various aspects,and that the scope of this disclosure should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular example method or combination ofmethods.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an example method 500 for integrating sensoraspects of home systems, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent disclosure. The example method 500 may, for example, share anyor all characteristics with the other methods discussed herein (e.g.,with regard to FIGS. 6-8). For example, any or all blocks of the examplemethod 500 may be integrated into any of such methods and vice versa.Additionally for example, the example method 500 may be implemented inany of the example environments shown in FIGS. 1-4 and/or presented inthe discussions thereof.

The example method 500 and/or any portion thereof may, for example, beimplemented by any of the systems presented herein (e.g., media system201, security system 202, automation system 203, etc.) or any portionthereof (e.g., controller, device, or other component). Though most ofthe examples discussed herein generally concern utilization of premises(or home) media system resources (e.g., sensor resources, media outputresources, user input resources, control resources, etc.) with or byother systems, the scope of this disclosure applies as well toutilization of components of other systems by the premises (or home)media system and/or to utilization of components of a first other systemby a second other system.

The example method 500 begins executing at block 505. The example method500 may begin executing in response to any of a variety of causes orconditions. The method 500 may, for example, begin executing when asystem implementing the method 500 is powered up, reset, or turned on.The method 500 may also, for example, begin executing when a systemimplementing the method 500 receives a command from a user to operateand/or operate with other systems (e.g., receiving a command directly atthe system, receiving a command from a remote controller, receiving acommand from a user's smart phone, etc.). The method 500 may further,for example, begin executing in response to a system or componentthereof (e.g., a controller, device, etc.) exiting from a sleep mode.The method 500 may also, for example, begin executing in response to asystem implementing the method 500 receiving a message from anothersystem, for example a message regarding resource sharing (e.g.,regarding utilization of a sensor device of the media system). Stillfurther for example, block 505 may receive execution flow from any ofthe blocks of the example method 500 and/or from any flow diagram blockdiscussed herein (e.g., with regard to FIGS. 6-8). In general, themethod 500 may begin executing in response to any of a variety of causesor conditions. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not belimited by characteristics of any particular initiating cause orcondition.

The example method 500 may, at block 510, comprise determining to take asensor measurement. Block 510 may be performed by any of a variety ofsystem components. For example, Block 510 may be performed by acontroller of a media system (e.g., the media controller 111) and/or adevice of the media system other than a controller (e.g., any of thedevices of the media system 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for example mediaoutput devices, media input devices, sensor devices, control devices,etc.). Block 510 may comprise determining to take a sensor measurementin any of a variety of manners, non-limiting examples of which arepresented herein.

Block 510 may, for example, comprise determining to take a sensormeasurement based, at least in part, on receiving a message requesting asensor measurement. For example, block 510 may comprise a mediacontroller (e.g., the media controller 111) receiving a message fromanother system (e.g., the security system 202, the automation system203, etc.) or component thereof requesting a sensor measurement from asensor of the media system 201. In an example scenario, block 510 maycomprise the media system controller 111 receiving a message from thesecurity system controller 211 requesting a sensor measurement from themaster bedroom sensor 233, which is integrated with the thirdloudspeaker 133. Based at least in part on such a received message, themedia system controller 111 may determine to perform the requestedsensor measurement. In another example scenario, the loudspeaker 171 mayreceive a message from the automation system controller 311 requesting ameasurement from the temperature sensor 371 that is integrated with theloudspeaker 171. Based at least in part on such a received message, theloudspeaker 171 may determine to perform the requested sensormeasurement.

Block 510 may also, for example, comprise determining to take a sensormeasurement based, at least in part, on a timer. For example, block 510may comprise determining to take a sensor measurement periodically basedon a time period (e.g., every N seconds, every M minutes, etc.), on aprogrammed time schedule (e.g., at predetermined times of day, etc.),etc. In an example scenario, the media device 161 (e.g., a loudspeaker)comprising sensor 261 may be set up (e.g., programmed) to utilize thesensor 261 onboard the media device 261 to acquire an infrared image ofa room every fifteen seconds. In another example scenario, the mediadevice 141 may be set up to utilize the sensor 341 onboard the mediadevice 141 to take a temperature measurement every five minutes.

Block 510 may additionally, for example, comprise determining to takesensor measurements continually. For example, a media device 133comprising an onboard (or otherwise coupled) smoke detector sensor 233may continually monitor the atmosphere for smoke.

Block 510 may further, for example, comprise determining to take asensor measurement based, at least in part, on a detected event. Forexample, block 510 may comprise determining to take a second sensormeasurement based at least in part on an event detected by a firstsensor. In an example scenario, block 510 may comprise determining toutilize a sensor to acquire an infrared image from a sensor based on adetected noise from a microphone sensor and/or a detected vibration froma vibration sensor.

As mentioned herein, the sensors of the various systems may comprisecharacteristics of any of a variety of types of sensors (infrared orthermal detectors, motion detectors, sound detectors, gas sensors,vibration sensors, cameras, microphones, weight sensors, static sensors,touch pads, retinal scanners, fingerprint scanners, biometric detectors,alarm devices, emergency communication devices, etc.). The sensors maybe physically integrated with a media device (e.g., a speaker, a videomonitor, etc.) or may be separate from but communicatively coupled to amedia device (e.g., utilizing a personal area network link, near fieldcommunication link, etc.).

In general, block 510 may comprise determining to take a sensormeasurement. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thisdisclosure should not be limited by characteristics of any particularmanner of determining to take a sensor measurement.

The example method 500 may, at block 520, comprise taking the sensormeasurement. For example, Block 520 may be performed by a controller ofa media system (e.g., the media controller 111) and/or a device of themedia system other than a controller (e.g., any of the devices of themedia system 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for example media output devices,media input devices, sensor devices, control devices, etc.). Block 520may comprise taking the sensor measurement in any of a variety ofmanners, non-limiting examples of which are presented herein. Forexample, block 520 may comprise taking the sensor measurement inaccordance with the sensor being utilized.

As discussed herein various sensors may be stand-alone sensors or may beintegrated with media devices (e.g., loudspeakers, video displays,etc.). In a scenario in which a sensor is integrated with anotherdevice, for example a media device, the other device may manageoperation of the sensor. Alternatively, the sensor may be autonomous,for example comprising its own operational and/or communicationalcapability.

For example, in an example scenario in which the sensor 215 isintegrated with the media device 115, the media device 115 may comprisea controller (e.g., a sensor manager module) that operates the sensor215. In an alternative scenario, for example, the sensor 215 may beco-located in a housing of the media device 115 but may otherwiseoperate independent of the media device 115.

In general, block 520 may comprise taking the sensor measurement.Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular manner of taking a sensor measurement.

The example method 500 may, at block 530, comprise communicating sensormeasurement information. For example, Block 530 may be performed by acontroller of a media system (e.g., the media controller 111) and/or adevice of the media system other than a controller (e.g., any of thedevices of the media system 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for example mediaoutput devices, media input devices, sensor devices, control devices,etc.). Block 530 may comprise communicating sensor measurementinformation in any of a variety of manners, non-limiting examples ofwhich are presented herein.

For example, in a scenario in which block 510 comprised receiving arequest for a sensor measurement, block 530 may comprise communicatinginformation of the sensor measurement back to the requesting entity. Forexample, in an example scenario in which the security system controller211 communicated a request via the network 205 to the media controller111 for a measurement from the sensor 261 associated with the mediaresource 161, block 530 may comprise the media controller 111communicating the sensor measurement information back to the securitysystem controller 211, for example after the media controller 111communicates with the media resource 161 or sensor 261 to obtain thesensor information. Also for example, in an example scenario in whichthe media device 151 receives a request from the automation systemcontroller 311 for a temperature measurement from the sensor 361, block530 may comprise the media device 151 communicating the sensormeasurement information back to the automation system controller 311.

Block 530 may, for example, comprise communicating the sensormeasurement information to a known recipient, for example in anasynchronous fashion. For example in an example scenario in which block510 determines to take a sensor measurement in response to a timer,block 530 may comprise communicating the sensor measurement informationto a predetermined recipient of the sensor measurement. For example, inan example scenario in which a measurement is taken from the sensor 341(e.g., a humidity sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) every fifteenminutes, the sensor 341 (or the media controller 111) may communicatethe sensor measurement information to the automation controller 311.Such sensing and communicating may, for example, be performed withoutbeing triggered each time by a particular message from the automationcontroller 311. In another example scenario in which a sensor 233 (e.g.,a window latch sensor) detects a potential security event, the sensor233 may immediately communicate information of the detected event to thesecurity system controller 211 (e.g., directly through the communicationnetwork 205, through the media controller 111 and the communicationnetwork 205, through the media device 133 and the media controller 111and the network 205, etc.).

In general, block 530 may comprise communicating sensor measurementinformation. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not belimited by characteristics of any particular manner of communicatingsensor measurement information.

The example method 500 continues execution at block 595. The continuedexecution may comprise any of a variety of characteristics. For example,block 595 may comprise looping execution flow back up to any of theprevious blocks of the example method 500 and/or to any flow diagramblock discussed herein. For example, block 595 may loop execution flowback up to block 510 for continued determination to take sensormeasurements, sensor measurement taking, and sensor measurementcommunicating.

As stated herein, though many of the examples provided herein concernutilization of resources of the media system by other systems, the scopeof this disclosure also includes utilization of resources of othersystems by the media system and/or utilization of resources of anothersystem by another system. For example, any or all of the aspects of theexample method 500 may be performed by a security system controllerand/or other device, and any or all of the aspects of the example method500 may be performed by an automation system controller and/or otherdevice. In an example scenario, a premises (or home) media system mayoperate in a manner that depends on user location within a premisesand/or user interaction with various sensors. Various examples of suchoperation are, for example, presented in U.S. application Ser. No.14/725,904, filed May 29, 2015, titled “Multi-zone Media System andMethod for Providing Multi-zone Media;” U.S. application Ser. No.14/726,019, filed May 29, 2015, titled “System and Method for ProvidingUser Location-based Multi-zone Media;” and U.S. application Ser. No.14/726,109, filed May 29, 2015, titled “System and Method for Selectingand Providing Zone-Specific Media;” the contents of each of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Any or all ofsuch media system examples may, for example, utilize resources (e.g.,sensor and/or control resources) of the media system and/or of otherpremises-based systems, for example a premises security system and/or apremises automation system operating in accordance with one or moreblocks of the example method 500.

In addition to various systems sharing sensor resources (e.g., a homemedia system sharing sensor resources of the home media system withother systems), the various systems may also share media outputresources. Various non-limiting examples of such media output resourcesharing are presented herein.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method 600 for integrating mediaoutput aspects of home systems, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present disclosure. The example method 600 may, for example, shareany or all characteristics with the other methods discussed herein(e.g., with regard to FIGS. 5, 7, and 8). For example, any or all blocksof the example method 500 may be integrated into any of such methods andvice versa. Additionally for example, the example method 600 may beimplemented in any of the example environments shown in FIGS. 1-4 and/orpresented in the discussions thereof.

The example method 600 and/or any portion thereof may, for example, beimplemented by any of the systems presented herein (e.g., premises mediasystem 201, premises security system 202, premises automation system203, etc.) or any portion thereof (e.g., controller or other component).Though most of the examples discussed herein generally concernutilization of home media system resources (e.g., sensor resources,media output resources, user input resources, control resources, etc.)with or by other systems, the scope of this disclosure applies as wellto utilization of components of other systems by the home media systemand/or to utilization of components of a first other system by a secondother system.

The example method 600 begins executing at block 605. The example method600 may begin executing in response to any of a variety of causes orconditions. The method 600 may, for example, begin executing when asystem implementing the method 600 is powered up, reset, or turned on.The method 600 may also, for example, begin executing when a systemimplementing the method 600 receives a command from a user to operateand/or operate with other systems (e.g., receiving a command directly atthe system, receiving a command from a remote controller, receiving acommand from a user's smart phone, etc.). The method 600 may further,for example, begin executing in response to a system or componentthereof (e.g., a controller, device, etc.) exiting from a sleep mode.The method 600 may also, for example, begin executing in response to asystem implementing the method 600 receiving a message from anothersystem, for example a message regarding resource sharing (e.g.,regarding utilization of a media output device of the media system).Still further for example, block 605 may receive execution flow from anyof the blocks of the example method 600 and/or from any flow diagramblock discussed herein (e.g., with regard to FIGS. 5, 7, and 8). Ingeneral, the method 600 may begin executing in response to any of avariety of causes or conditions. Accordingly, the scope of thisdisclosure should not be limited by characteristics of any particularinitiating cause or condition.

The example method 600 may, at block 610, comprise receiving mediaoutput information from an external system (e.g., an external premisesor home security system, an external premises or home automation system,etc.). The external system may, for example, be different from a mediaserver. In other words, in an example scenario in which a home mediasystem implements one or more aspects of the example method 600, block610 may comprise receiving media output information from one or moreother home systems in addition to typical media server systems (e.g.,home media server systems, remote media streaming services, etc.).

Block 610 may be performed by any of a variety of system components. Forexample, Block 610 may be performed by a controller of a media system(e.g., the media controller 111) and/or a device of the media systemother than a controller (e.g., any of the devices of the media system201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for example media output devices, media inputdevices, sensor devices, control devices, etc.). Block 610 may comprisereceiving media output information in any of a variety of manners,non-limiting examples of which are presented herein.

Block 610 may, for example, comprise receiving the media outputinformation from the external system in a message data structure and/orseries of packets communicated through a home communication network(e.g., through the communication network 205). The packets may, forexample, be formatted and/or encoded in a proprietary and/or standardmanner. For example, audio information may be encoded in any of avariety of manners (e.g., MP3, AAC, AC3, ALAC, AMR, MP3, WAV, etc.), andvideo information may be encoded in any of a variety of manners (e.g.,MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVC, DivX, etc.). Block 610 may, for example, comprisereceiving the media output information in an audio and/or videostreaming format.

Block 610 may, for example, comprise receiving the media outputinformation in a synchronous or asynchronous manner. For example, anexternal system may communicate the media output information wheneverthe need arises, and thus such information may be received by the entityimplementing block 610 at any time. Additionally, block 610 may comprisereceiving the media output information in a synchronous manner, forexample in which the recipient of the media output information performssynchronous hand-shaking with the provider of the media outputinformation during the communication.

In an example scenario, the media controller 111 (or other media devicediscussed herein) may receive the media output information from thesecurity system controller 211. Such media output information may, forexample, include audio and/or video alarm information. For example, thereceived media output information may comprise audio information warningof a potential danger (e.g., a high level of carbon monoxide, smoke,higher-than-normal temperature level, a window being opened, a doorbeing impacted, a potential intruder, etc.). In another examplescenario, the media controller 111 (or other media device discussedherein) may receive the media output information from the automationsystem controller 311. For example, the received media outputinformation may comprise audio information notifying a user that a lighthas been left on, that the HVAC system is in need of maintenance, that atemperature level has been changed or is about to be changed, that arefrigerator door is open, that an oven or cooktop burner has been lefton, etc.

In general, block 610 may comprise receiving media output informationfrom an external system. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosureshould not be limited by characteristics of any particular type of mediaoutput information or of any particular manner of receiving suchinformation.

The example method 600 may, at block 620, comprise identifying a mediaoutput zone and/or media output devices for outputting the media outputinformation received at block 610. Block 610 may be performed by any ofa variety of system components. For example, Block 620 may be performedby a controller of a media system (e.g., the media controller 111)and/or a device of the media system other than a controller (e.g., anyof the devices of the media system 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for examplemedia output devices, media input devices, sensor devices, controldevices, etc.). Block 620 may comprise performing such identifying inany of a variety of manners, non-limiting examples of which arepresented herein.

For example, block 620 may comprise always outputting the media outputinformation to all zones. Also for example, block 620 may compriseidentifying one or more zones that are most relevant to a user. Forexample, block 620 may comprise identifying one or more mediapresentation zones (or areas) in which a user has indicated a presenceand/or a desire for the presentation of media content. Various examplesof such operation are presented in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/725,904,filed May 29, 2015, titled “Multi-zone Media System and Method forProviding Multi-zone Media,” the contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Also for example, block 620 may comprise identifying one or more mediapresentation zones (or areas) that coincide with tracked user movement(e.g., user movement in general, movement of a particular user, etc.).Various examples of such operation are presented in U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/726,019, filed May 29, 2015, titled “System and Method forProviding User Location-based Multi-zone Media,” the contents of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Forexample, block 620 may comprise identifying one or more zones orassociated media output devices that coincide with user movementthroughout a home or premises.

Additionally for example, in an example scenario in which the mediaoutput information is particularly relevant to a zone (or area) of aresidence, block 620 may comprise identifying one or more mediapresentation zones (or areas) that are most appropriate for the mediaoutput information. Various examples of such operation are presented inU.S. application Ser. No. 14/726,109, filed May 29, 2015, titled “Systemand Method for Selecting and Providing Zone-Specific Media,” thecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. For example, in an example scenario in which a mediaoutput information is related to a utility room (e.g., for examplecommunications regarding temperature settings, water softener operationor maintenance, water heater maintenance, etc.), block 620 may compriseidentifying a utility room zone and/or associated media output devicesas the zone or devices at which to present the received media outputinformation.

Block 620 may, for example, comprise identifying one or more mediaoutput zones based, at least in part, on a priority associated with themedia output information received at block 610. For example, in ascenario in which the media output information received at block 610 isassociated with a high-priority security alert (e.g., a fire alarm, anintruder alert, etc.), block 620 may comprise determining to immediatelypresent the received media output information to all zones and/or mediaoutput devices. Also for example, in a scenario in which the mediaoutput information received at block 610 is associated with a relativelylow-priority informative message (e.g., a message that the user is lowon laundry detergent, a message that the water softener is low on salt,etc.), block 620 may comprise determining to present the received mediaoutput information only in a particular zone in which the user islocated or a zone that is most relevant to the media output information.

In general, block 620 may comprise identifying one or more media outputzones and/or media output devices for outputting the media outputinformation received at block 610. Accordingly, the scope of thisdisclosure should not be limited by characteristics of any particularmanner of identifying one or more media output zones and/or media outputdevices for outputting media information.

The example method 600 may, at block 630, comprise outputting the mediaoutput information received at block 610 to the media presentation zonesand/or media devices identified at block 620. Block 630 may be performedby any of a variety of system components. For example, Block 630 may beperformed by a controller of a media system (e.g., the media controller111) and/or a device of the media system other than a controller (e.g.,any of the devices of the media system 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, forexample media output devices, media input devices, sensor devices,control devices, etc.). Block 630 may, for example, be performed in anyof a variety of manners, non-limiting examples of which are presentedherein.

For example, in block 630 may comprise a media controller (e.g., themedia controller 111) communicating the media output information to themedia output devices identified at block 620, which in turn output themedia output information. If needed, for example, block 630 may comprisetransposing the received media output information from a first mediaformat (e.g., encoding format, packet format, etc.) to a second mediaformat recognized or preferred by the media output devices.

Block 630 may also, for example, comprise determining outputcharacteristics for the media output. For example, block 630 maycomprise determining a volume at which to output the media outputinformation received at block 610. Block 630 may, for example, comprisedetermining to maximize or substantially increase volume of the mediaoutput system to output media output information received from asecurity system (e.g., for high-priority security-related content).Block 630 may also, for example, comprise determining to present themedia output information at a present volume setting (e.g., for mediumor low priority content). Block 630 may additionally, for example,comprise ramping up the volume at which a high-priority message is beingpresented until acknowledged by a user.

Block 630 may also, for example, comprise determining to repeatoutputting the output media information (e.g., a particular number oftimes, until a user acknowledges the output, etc.). For example, block630 may comprise continually outputting a smoke detector alarm messageuntil a user provides an input (e.g., a tactile input, a voice input, asmart phone input, etc.) indicating that the user has received thealarm. Also for example, block 630 may comprise outputting an appliancemaintenance reminder each time a user enters a particular room until theuser provides an input to reset the maintenance message and/or performsthe correspondence maintenance.

In general, block 630 may comprise outputting the media outputinformation received at block 610 to the media presentation zones and/ormedia devices identified at block 620. Accordingly, the scope of thisdisclosure should not be limited by characteristics of any particularmanner of performing such outputting.

The example method 600 continues execution at block 695. The continuedexecution may comprise any of a variety of characteristics. For example,block 695 may comprise looping execution flow back up to any of theprevious blocks of the example method 600 and/or to any flow diagramblock discussed herein. For example, block 695 may comprise loopingexecution flow back up to block 610 for continued receipt of mediaoutput information, identification of media output zone(s) and/or mediaoutput devices, and outputting of the media output information.

As discussed herein, various aspects of this disclosure may comprisedetermining when to output media output information that is receivedfrom another system. An example of such operation is shown in FIG. 7.

In particular, FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an example method 700 forintegrating media output aspects of home systems, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. The example method 700 may,for example, share any or all characteristics with the other methodsdiscussed herein (e.g., with regard to FIGS. 5, 6, and 8). For example,any or all blocks of the example method 700 may be integrated into anyof such methods and vice versa. Additionally for example, the examplemethod 700 may be implemented in any of the example environments shownin FIGS. 1-4 and/or presented in the discussions thereof.

The example method 700 and/or any portion thereof may, for example, beimplemented by any of the systems presented herein (e.g., media system201, security system 202, automation system 203, etc.) or any portionthereof (e.g., controller or other component). Though most of theexamples discussed herein generally concern utilization of premises (orhome) media system resources (e.g., sensor resources, media outputresources, user input resources, etc.) with or by other systems, thescope of this disclosure applies as well to utilization of components ofother systems by the home media system and/or to utilization ofcomponents of a first other system by a second other system.

The example method 700 begins executing at block 705. Block 705 may, forexample, share any or all characteristics with block 605 of the examplemethod 600 shown in FIG. 6 and discussed herein.

The example method 700 may, at block 710, comprise receiving mediaoutput information from an external system (e.g., an external premisesor home security system, an external premises or home automation system,etc.). Block 710 may, for example, share any or all characteristics withblock 610 of the example method 600 shown in FIG. 6 and discussedherein.

The received media output information may, for example, compriseinformation describing characteristics of the media output information.For example, the received media output information may, for example,comprise priority information characterizing the relative priority ofthe media output information. For example, an emergency message from ahome security system may be associated with a relatively higher prioritythan a notification to a user from a home automation system that thewater softener is running low on salt. Such priority information may,for example, be utilized at block 715 to determine whether the outputinformation should be immediately output and/or utilized at block 720 todetermine at which media output zones or devices to output the media.

Also for example, the received media output information may compriseinformation identifying one or more zones (e.g., areas in a home orpremises) for which the media output information is relevant. Such zoneinformation may, for example, be utilized at block 715 to determinewhether the output information should be immediately output, and/orutilized at block 720 to determine at which media output zones ordevices to output the media.

In general, block 710 may comprise receiving media output informationfrom an external system. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosureshould not be limited by characteristics of any particular type of mediaoutput information or of any particular manner of receiving suchinformation.

The example method 700 may, for example at block 715 comprisedetermining whether to immediately output the media output informationreceived at block 710. Block 715 may comprise determining whether toimmediately output the media output information, or for example whetherto delay outputting the media output information, in any of a variety ofmanners, non-limiting examples of which are presented herein.

For example, block 715 may comprise determining whether to immediatelyoutput the media output information based, at least in part, on priorityof the media output information. For example, the media outputinformation received at block 710 may be assigned a priority. Such apriority may, for example, be explicitly identified by a sender of themedia output information (e.g., included with metadata information,packet header information, a field of packet payload information, etc.).For example, in a scenario in which the media output information isreceived at block 710 from a home security system, the receivedinformation may indicate that the media output information is highpriority (e.g., for a smoke or fire alarm, for a high carbon monoxidereading, for an intruder alert, etc.) or a low priority (e.g., for adetected unlocked door or window, for a low but concerning carbonmonoxide reading, etc.). In another example, a home automation systemmay indicate that the media output information is high priority (e.g.,for a cooking timer, etc.) or a low priority (e.g., for a light left onin an empty room, for a window left open on a hot day, for an applianceservice reminder, etc.).

Also for example, the priority may be assigned to the media outputinformation based, at least in part, on the source of the information.For example, media output information received from a home securitysystem may always be treated as high-priority media output information,and media output information received from a home automation system mayalways be treated as low-priority media output information.

In an example scenario, block 715 may comprise determining toimmediately output a high-priority media output message, for exampleregardless of other media information (e.g., music, talk radio, etc.)that is being currently output. In other words, block 715 may comprisedetermining to interrupt media information that is already being outputby the media system. In another example scenario, block 715 maydetermine to wait to present low-priority media output information untila present song, program, or segment is done. In other words, block 715may determine that a song should not be interrupted for a notificationthat the water softener is low on salt or that it is time for routinemaintenance on the air conditioner or that a window is unlocked.

Block 715 may also, for example, determine whether to immediately outputreceived media output information based on user location. A systemimplementing the example method 700 or a portion thereof may, forexample, track user location. Various examples of such tracking oruser-locating operation are, for example, presented in U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/725,904, filed May 29, 2015, titled “Multi-zone Media Systemand Method for Providing Multi-zone Media;” U.S. application Ser. No.14/726,019, filed May 29, 2015, titled “System and Method for ProvidingUser Location-based Multi-zone Media;” and U.S. application Ser. No.14/726,109, filed May 29, 2015, titled “System and Method for Selectingand Providing Zone-Specific Media;” the contents of each of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Note that anyof such examples may, in accordance with various aspects of the presentdisclosure, utilize resources (e.g., sensors, control devices, etc.) ofother systems instead of or in addition to resources of a media system.

For various received media output information, block 715 may comprisedetermining to delay presentation of the media output information untila user is present in an audio zone specifically associated with thereceived media output information. For example, in an example scenarioin which the media output information is associated with a particularwindow being unlocked, block 715 may comprise determining to wait untila user (e.g., any user or a particular user) is within a particulardistance of the window, or alternatively is the last user leaving ahouse, until outputting the media output information. In another examplescenario in which the media output information is associated with anappliance in need of attention, block 715 may wait until a user is in anaudio zone or area associated with the appliance. For example, in anexample scenario in which an automobile is low on gas or in need of anoil change, block 715 may wait until a user enters the garage to outputthe media information.

For various received media output information, block 715 may comprisedetermining to delay presentation of the media output information untila user (or one or more identified relevant users) enters a premises orhome. For example, block 715 may comprise determining to wait until ahead of household is home before outputting home automation-relatedmedia output information received at block 710.

Additionally, for various received media output information, block 715may comprise determining to delay presentation of the media outputinformation until a particular time. For example, block 715 may comprisedetermining to present relatively low-priority media output informationat regular timed intervals (e.g., at the top of every hour, atparticular user-designated times of day, etc.). Also for example, block715 may comprise determining to delay presentation of various receivedmedia output information until a user specifically requests suchinformation (e.g., requests by touch input, requests by voice input,requests by smart phone input, etc.). In either of such examples, block715 may comprise aggregating more than one media output for serialpresentation thereof when the time comes.

If block 715 determines to immediately present the received media outputinformation, flow of the example method 700 proceeds to block 720 foroutputting the media information. If, however, block 715 determines todelay presentation of the media output information, flow of the examplemethod 700 proceeds to block 717.

In general, block 715 comprises determining whether to immediatelyoutput the media output information received at block 710. Accordingly,the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by characteristics ofany particular manner of performing such determining.

At block 717, the example method 700 may comprise waiting until one ormore triggering events occur before directing execution flow of themethod 700 to block 720 for outputting the media information. Block 717may comprise performing such waiting in any of a variety of manners. Forexample, as discussed herein, block 717 may comprise waiting for mediabreaks in media currently being presented, waiting until a time, waitinguntil a user or particular user enters a zone, waiting until a user orparticular user enters a home or premises, waiting until a user or lastuser leaves a home or premises, waiting until a user explicitly requestsmessages, etc. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not belimited by characteristics of any particular triggering event(s) and/orof any particular manner of waiting for a triggering event.

The example method 700 may, at block 720, comprise identifying a mediaoutput zone and/or media output devices for outputting the media outputinformation received at block 710. Block 720 may comprise performingsuch identifying in any of a variety of manners, non-limiting examplesof which are presented herein. For example, block 720 may share any orall characteristics with block 620 of the example method 600 shown inFIG. 6 and discussed herein.

The example method 700 may, at block 730, comprise outputting the mediaoutput information received at block 710 to the media presentation zonesand/or media devices identified at block 720. Block 730 may compriseperforming such outputting in any of a variety of manners, non-limitingexamples of which are presented herein. For example, block 730 may shareany or all characteristics with block 630 of the example method 600shown in FIG. 6 and discussed herein.

In addition to various systems sharing media output resources (e.g., ahome media system sharing media output resources of the home mediasystem with other systems), the various systems may also share mediainput and/or multi-way communication resources. Various non-limitingexamples of such media output resource sharing are presented herein.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an example method 800 for integratingmulti-way communication aspects of home systems, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure.

The example method 800 may, for example, share any or allcharacteristics with the other methods discussed herein (e.g., withregard to FIGS. 5-7). For example, any or all blocks of the examplemethod 800 may be integrated into any of such methods and vice versa.Additionally for example, the example method 800 may be implemented inany of the example environments shown in FIGS. 1-4 and/or presented inthe discussions thereof.

The example method 800 and/or any portion thereof may, for example, beimplemented by any of the systems presented herein (e.g., media system201, security system 202, automation system 203, etc.) or any portionthereof (e.g., controller or other components). Though most of theexamples discussed herein generally concern utilization of home mediasystem resources (e.g., sensor resources, media output resources, userinput resources, etc.) with or by other systems, the scope of thisdisclosure applies as well to utilization of components of other systemsby the home media system and/or to utilization of components of a firstother system by a second other system.

The example method 800 begins executing at block 805. The example method800 may begin executing in response to any of a variety of causes orconditions. The method 800 may, for example, begin executing when asystem implementing the method 800 is powered up, reset, or turned on.The method 800 may also, for example, begin executing when a systemimplementing the method 800 receives a command from a user to operateand/or operate with other systems (e.g., receiving a command directly atthe system, receiving a command from a remote controller, receiving acommand from a user's smart phone, etc.). The method 800 may further,for example, begin executing in response to a system or componentthereof (e.g., a controller, device, etc.) exiting from a sleep mode.The method 800 may also, for example, begin executing in response to asystem implementing the method 800 receiving a message from anothersystem, for example a message regarding resource sharing (e.g.,regarding utilization of one or more input and/or output devices of themedia system to perform a multi-way communication). Still further forexample, block 805 may receive execution flow from any of the blocks ofthe example method 800 and/or from any flow diagram block discussedherein (e.g., at FIGS. 5-7). In general, the method 800 may beginexecuting in response to any of a variety of causes or conditions.Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular initiating cause or condition.

The example method 800 may, at block 810, comprise determining toperform multi-way (e.g., two-way, etc.) communication with an externalsystem (e.g., with a system different from the system implementing themethod 800). Block 810 may be performed by any of a variety of systemcomponents. For example, Block 810 may be performed by a controller of amedia system (e.g., the media controller 111) and/or a device of themedia system other than a controller (e.g., any of the devices of themedia system 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for example media output devices,media input devices, sensor devices, control devices, etc.). Block 810may comprise determining to perform a multi-way communication in any ofa variety of manners, non-limiting examples of which are presentedherein.

Block 810 may, for example, comprise determining to perform multi-waycommunication (e.g., acting as an intermediary between a user and anexternal system) based, at least in part, on receiving a messagerequesting multi-way communication. For example, block 810 may comprisea media controller (e.g., the media controller 111) receiving a messagefrom another system (e.g., the security system 202, the automationsystem 203, etc.) or component thereof requesting assistance from one ormore components in the media system 201 in conducting multi-waycommunication with a user. In an example scenario, block 810 maycomprise the media system controller 111 receiving a message from thesecurity system controller 211 requesting that the media systemcontroller 111 or other media system device provide multi-waycommunication between a user and the security system 202. Based at leastin part on such a received message, the media system controller 111 maydetermine to perform the multi-way user communication. In anotherexample scenario, the loudspeaker 171 may receive a message from theautomation system controller 311 requesting that the loudspeaker 171(e.g., in conjunction with an on-board microphone and/or loudspeakerthat can operate as a microphone) perform multi-way user communication.Based at least in part on such a received message, the loudspeaker 171may determine to perform the requested multi-way user communication.

Block 810 may also, for example, comprise determining to perform amulti-way communication between a user and an external system based, atleast in part, on a user input. For example, a user of the media system201 may provide an input at the media controller 111 or other device ofthe media system 201 (e.g., a loudspeaker, monitor, etc.) requestingmulti-way communication between the user and a system external to themedia system 201 (e.g., the home security system 202, home automationsystem 203, etc.). The input may, for example, comprise a tactile input,a voice input, a smart phone input, a loud noise, etc.

Block 810 may additionally, for example, comprise determining to performmulti-way communication continually (e.g., whenever a systemimplementing the method 800 and a system external to the systemimplementing the method 800 are operating). For example, in an examplescenario, audio received in a microphone of a home media system 201 maybe provided to a home automation system 203 for processing by the homeautomation system 203 (e.g., to detect user commands to the homeautomation system 203).

Block 810 may further, for example, comprise determining to performmulti-way communication whenever a system implementing the method 800 isproviding output media information to a user (e.g., when operating inconjunction with the example methods 600 and 700 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,and discussed herein). For example, in an example scenario in which ahome media system provides media output to a user on behalf of anothersystem (e.g., on behalf of a home security system, home automationsystem, etc.), block 810 may determine to perform multi-waycommunication in anticipation of a user response to such media output.

In general, block 810 may comprise determining to perform multi-waycommunication with an external system (e.g., on behalf of a user).Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular manner of performing such determining.

The example method 800 may, at block 820, comprise setting upcommunication links to perform the multi-way communication. For example,block 820 may be performed, at least in part, by a controller of a mediasystem (e.g., the media controller 111) and/or a device of the mediasystem other than a controller (e.g., any of the devices of the mediasystem 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for example media output devices, mediainput devices, sensor devices, control devices, etc.). Similarly, block820 may be performed, at least in part, by an external system component(e.g., a security system controller 211, automation system controller311, etc.), for example cooperating in the establishment of one or morecommunication links. Block 820 may comprise setting up the multi-waycommunication links in any of a variety of manners, non-limitingexamples of which are presented herein.

Block 820 may, for example, comprise allocating the communicationresources needed to perform the multi-way communication (e.g., channelresources, timeslots, codes, frequencies, etc.). Such allocation mightnot always be necessary, but may be necessary depending on the presentstate of the communication environment. For example, in an examplescenario in which a first communication link has already beenestablished between a media controller implementing block 820 (or aportion thereof) and the external system with which the multi-way usercommunication is to be performed, and in which a second communicationlink between the media controller and the relevant media device (e.g., aloudspeaker device with audio input and output capability) has alreadybeen established, block 820 may comprise setting up full or half duplexcommunication on the first and/or second communication links.

Also for example, in an example scenario in which a first duplexcommunication link has already been established between a mediacontroller implementing block 820 (or a portion thereof) and theexternal system with which the multi-way user communication is to beperformed, and in which a communication link capable of handlingmulti-way communication information has not yet been established (e.g.,a two-way data channel) between the media controller and the relevantmedia device, block 820 may comprise the media controller communicatingwith the media device over a common control channel to establish thenecessary multi-way communication link.

Additionally for example, in an example scenario in which a directmulti-way communication link between the external system and the mediadevice is to be utilized, block 820 may comprise establishing amulti-way communication between the external system and the media devicethat bypasses the media controller. FIG. 4, for example, shows anexample communication environment in which such a communication link maybe established. In an example scenario, a media controller need not evenparticipate in implementing the method 800, which may for example beimplemented by a media device (e.g., an intelligent loudspeakercommunicating directly with the external system, or a controller orother component thereof).

Note that the communication link utilized for multi-way communicationbetween the external system and a media device of the media system maybe completely independent of communication links typically utilizedbetween the media controller and the media device for the communicationof general media information. For example, there may be a firstcommunication link between the media controller and the media devicethat is utilized generally for the communication of media systeminformation with the media device, and a second communication linkindependent of the first communication link for the communication ofmulti-way communication information between the media device and thesystem external to the media system. In such an implementation, thequality of the first communication link, which might have hi-fidelityconstraints, may be substantially greater than the quality of the secondcommunication link, which might for example have a quality level more onthe order of a telephony system.

In general, block 820 may comprise setting up communication links toperform the multi-way communication. Accordingly, the scope of thisdisclosure should not be limited by characteristics of any particularmanner of setting up (or establishing) such communication links.

The example method 800 may, at block 830, comprise managing themulti-way communication (e.g., user communication) between the externalsystem and the media device(s). For example, Block 830 may be performedby a controller of a media system (e.g., the media controller 111)and/or a device of the media system other than a controller (e.g., anyof the devices of the media system 201 shown in FIGS. 1-4, for examplemedia output devices, media input devices, sensor devices, controldevices, etc.). Block 830 may comprise performing such communicationmanagement in any of a variety of manners, non-limiting examples ofwhich are discussed herein.

For example, in an example scenario in which a media controller (e.g.,the media controller 111) functions as a conduit for communicationbetween the media system and systems external to the media system, themedia controller may for example operate as a router for communicationsbetween the external systems and the media devices (e.g., loudspeakers)or components thereof. For example, in an example scenario the mediacontroller 111 may receive a user output communication from theautomation system controller 311 via the communication network 205, andthen direct the user output communication to the relevant mediadevice(s) of the media network 201. For example, the media controller111 and automation system controller 311 may communicate informationwith each other utilizing each other's respective address on thecommunication network 205. Continuing the example scenario, the mediacontroller 111 may then receive a user input communication from themedia device(s), and then direct the user input communication back tothe automation system controller 311.

In another example scenario, the security system controller 211communicates to a media device of the media system 201 through thecommunication network 205 without communicating via the media controller111. In such an example scenario, the media device and the securitysystem controller 211 may communicate utilizing each other's respectiveaddress on the communication network 205.

Since communication information may be represented utilizing any of avariety of coding techniques, there may be scenarios in which arecipient of multi-way communication information and/or an intermediatedevice may transcode the information. For example, in an examplescenario, the security system 202 may communicate user audio outputinformation to the media system 201 in a first encoding format, firstpacket format, etc. In such a scenario, the media system controller 111may receive the audio information from the security system controller211 and transpose the audio output information to an encoding and/orpacket format that is utilized by the relevant media device(s) of themedia system 201. The media system controller 111 may then communicatethe transcoded audio information to the relevant media device(s) (e.g.,to one or more selected loudspeakers for the output communication to theuser). Similarly, for the return path, the media system controller 111may receive user input information from a media device that is encodedand/or packetized in a media system format, transcode the user inputinformation into a security system format, and then forward thetranscoded user input information back to the security system controller211 via the communication network 205.

In another example scenario in which the external system (e.g., acontroller thereof) and the media device of the media system communicatedirectly with each other, for example without an intervening mediasystem controller, the media device and/or the external system mayperform any necessary transcoding.

In general, block 830 comprises managing the multi-way communicationbetween the external system and the media device(s). Accordingly, thescope of this disclosure should not be limited by any particular mannerof managing such communication.

The example method 800 may, for example at block 840, comprise breakingdown the communication link(s) established at block 820 when themulti-way communication performed at block 830 is complete. Block 840may comprise such communication link break-down in any of a variety ofmanners, non-limiting examples of which are presented herein. Forexample, block 840 may comprise releasing communication resources (e.g.,communication bandwidth, channels, timeslots, frequencies, codes, etc.)allocated for the communication link(s) at block 820. In general, block840 comprises breaking down the communication link(s) established atblock 820. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of this disclosureshould not be limited by any particular manner of breaking down (orde-allocating resources of) a communication link.

The example method 800 continues execution at block 895. The continuedexecution may comprise any of a variety of characteristics. For example,block 895 may comprise looping execution flow of the example method 800back up to any of the previous blocks of the example method 800 and/orto any flow diagram block discussed herein. For example, block 895 maycomprises looping execution flow of the example method 800 back up toblock 810 for continued communication determination, set-up, management,and tear-down. Note that multi-way communication, for example utilizinguser communication resources of the media system to conduct two-way usercommunication with systems external to the media system, may beperformed in conjunction with any of the other methods discussed herein,for example, with security system operation, automation systemoperation, etc.

As explained herein, the example methods 500, 600, 700, and 800presented herein, or any portion thereof, may be performed by one ormore media system resources (e.g., a premises or home media controller).FIG. 9 provides a non-limiting example of a media system controller thatmay implement any of the example methods presented herein or any portionthereof.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an example media system component (e.g., amedia system controller and/or other components), in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. The example media systemcomponent 900 may, for example, operate to or be operable to perform anyor all of the functionality discussed herein (e.g., with regard to theexample methods 500, 600, 700, and 800 illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 anddiscussed herein, with regard to the example environments 100, 200, 300,and 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and discussed herein, with regard tothe methods and systems incorporated herein by reference, etc.). Themedia system component 900 may, for example, comprise any one or more ofa variety of media system components. For example, the media systemcomponent 900 may comprise a home or premises media controller, aloudspeaker, a video display, etc., but the scope of this disclosure isnot limited thereto. The media system component 900 may, for example,share any or all characteristics with the media controller 111 and/orother components of the media system 201 discussed herein.

The media system component 900 may, for example, comprise a power supplymodule 905. The power supply module 905 may, for example, compriseelectrical circuitry operable to receive and/or prepare electrical powerfor utilization by the other modules of the media system component 900.The power supply module 905 may, for example, comprise an A/C powermodule adapted for plugging into a premises power outlet and/or fordirect integration into the A/C power system of a premises (e.g., ahome, campus, outdoor area associated therewith, etc.). The power supplymodule 905 may also, for example, be operable to receive and/or prepareelectrical power from a power-over-Ethernet (POE) system. The powersupply module 905 may additionally, for example, be operable to receiveand/or prepare battery power (e.g., manage battery operation for powersupply, recharging, etc.). The power supply module 905 may also, forexample, be operable to provide electrical power (e.g., via Ethernet orother wiring) to other media devices (e.g., to other loudspeakers),sensors, controllers, etc.

The example media system component 900 may also, for example, comprise auser interface module 910. The user interface module 910 may, forexample, be operable to perform any or all of the user interfacefunctionality discussed herein. For example, the user interface module910 may be operable to perform the user and/or output functionalitydiscussed herein with regard to at least the example method 500illustrated in FIG. 5, the example method 600 illustrated in FIG. 6, theexample method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7, and the example method 800illustrated in FIG. 8.

For example, the user interface module 910 may comprise or manage anyone or more of a variety of sensors for user input. For example, theuser interface module 910 may comprise a touch sensor and associatedcircuitry for processing touch inputs. The touch sensor for user touchinput may, for example, comprise a touch pad, touch screen, heat sensor,capacitive sensor, piezo-resistive sensor, piezo-electric sensor, lightsensor, MEMS inertial sensor, a mechanical switch, etc. The touch inputmay, for example, comprise a tap input (e.g., single-tap, double-tap,n-tap, etc.). The touch input may, for example, comprise a touch inputon a graphical user interface feature being presented to the user on atouch screen. The touch input may also, for example, comprise a swipeinput (e.g., for adjustment of media presentation characteristics, likevolume, etc.). Also for example, the user interface module 910 maycomprise a microphone sensor and associated circuitry for processingaudible inputs (e.g., voice commands).

The user input sensors may, for example, be included on or within anenclosure of the media system component 900 (e.g., in a single ormultiple enclosure system). Additionally for example, the sensors may bephysically separate from and/or outside of an enclosure of the mediasystem component 900. As discussed herein, for example, touch sensorsand/or microphones may be incorporated into switch plates, door frames,doors, etc., and thus need not necessarily be physically integrated withthe media system component 900 or any portion thereof. In such exampleimplementations, the sensors may be hardwired with the media systemcomponent 900 and/or may wirelessly communicate with the media systemcomponent 900. In a wireless communication scenario, the user interfacemodule 910 may utilize wireless communication capability of thecommunication interface module 950 discussed herein to communicatewirelessly with one or more sensors.

The user interface module 910 may also, for example, comprise any one ormore of a variety of user output devices (e.g., for providing audioand/or video media to a user, for providing audio feedback to a user,for providing visual output feedback to a user, etc.). For example, theuser interface module 910 may operate to provide an output to the userto indicate the mode of operation in which the media system component900 is operating, to indicate a source of the media output beingpresented to the user, to indicate the media output characteristics ofthe media currently being presented to the user, to output user inputfeatures (e.g., graphical user interface features), etc.

The user interface module 910 may further, for example, operate tointerface with a remote control device (e.g., a dedicated remote controldevice, a smart phone, etc.). For example, the user interface module 910may utilize the communication interface module 950 to communicate withthe user's smart phone.

The example media system component 900 may additionally, for example,comprise one or more communication interface modules 950. Thecommunication interface module(s) 950 may, for example, be operable toperform any or all of the communication functionality discussed herein(e.g., in the discussions of FIGS. 1-8). Such communicationfunctionality may, for example, comprise communicating with othersystems or devices (e.g., other loudspeakers or displays, controllers,media servers, etc.). Such communication functionality may, for example,comprise communicating information regarding general system operation,media information, sensor information, security information, homeautomation information, user input and/or output information, zoneidentification information, user identification information, mediacontent, etc.

The communication interface module(s) 950 (e.g., a media deviceinterface module 952) may, for example, be operable to establish,maintain, and utilize communication links with other media devices(e.g., with loudspeakers, with video monitors, with a media controller,with a local media server within a premises or home over a local areanetwork, with a remote media server outside of a premises or home overthe Internet, cable, landline and/or other networks, with remote controldevices, smart phones, smart watches, etc.). The communication interfacemodule 950 may, for example, be operable to communicate over wired,wireless, or optical links.

The communication interface module(s) 950 (e.g., a network interfacemodule 951) may, for example, be operable to interface with a wiredand/or wireless local area network (LAN), personal area network (PAN),wide area network (WAN), etc. The communication interface module(s) 950may, for example, be operable to interface with a telecommunicationnetwork (e.g., cellular, landline, satellite, etc.), a televisionnetwork (e.g., cable, satellite, etc.), etc. The communication interfacemodule(s) 950 may, for example, be operable to communicate utilizing anyof a variety of standard and/or proprietary communication protocols(e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, near field, 4G, 5G, LTE, MoCA,802.15, etc.).

The communication interface module(s) 950 (e.g., a security systeminterface module 956) may, for example, be operable to communicate witha security system (e.g., a home security system). For example, in thevarious example implementations discussed herein, the communicationinterface module(s) 950 of the media system controller 111 may beoperable to communicate with the security system controller 211. Forexample, the security system interface module 956 may be operable toperform any or all of the communication functionality discussed hereinwith regard to the media system 201 (e.g., the media system controller111, or other devices of the media system 201) communicating with thesecurity system 202 (e.g., the security system controller 211, or otherdevices of the security system 202). In an example implementation, thesecurity system interface module 956 may comprise performing securitysystem application layer protocol functionality on top of lower layercommunication protocol functionality provided by the network interfacemodule 951.

The communication interface module(s) 950 (e.g., a home automationsystem interface module 958) may, for example, be operable tocommunicate with an automation system (e.g., a home automation system).For example, in the various example implementations discussed herein,the communication interface module(s) 950 of the media system controller111 may be operable to communicate with the home automation systemcontroller 311. For example, the home automation system interface module958 may be operable to perform any or all of the communicationfunctionality discussed herein with regard to the media system 201(e.g., the media system controller 111, or other devices of the mediasystem 201) communicating with the automation system 203 (e.g., theautomation system controller 311, or other devices of the automationsystem 203). In an example implementation, the automation systeminterface module 958 may comprise performing automation systemapplication layer protocol functionality on top of lower layercommunication protocol functionality provided by the network interfacemodule 951.

The communication interface module(s) 950 (e.g., a media serverinterface module 954) may, for example, be operable to communicate witha media server system (e.g., a local home media server system, a remotemedia server system remote from the home, etc.). For example, in thevarious example implementations discussed herein, the communicationinterface module(s) 950 of the media system controller 111 may beoperable to communicate with various media servers, for the generalpresentation of audio and/or video media to a user. For example, themedia server interface module 954 may be operable to perform any or allof the communication functionality discussed herein with regard to themedia system 201 (e.g., the media system controller 111, or otherdevices of the media system 201) communicating with a media server(e.g., a local home media server system, a remote media server systemremote from the home, etc.). In an example implementation, the mediaserver interface module 954 may be operable to perform media serverapplication layer protocol functionality on top of lower layercommunication protocol functionality provided by the network interfacemodule 951.

The example media system component 900 may additionally, for example,comprise a media output module 915. The media output module 915 may, forexample, be operable to perform any or all of the media outputfunctionality discussed herein (e.g., with regard to the example methods600 and 700 shown in FIGS. 6-7 and discussed herein; with regard toother methods 500 and 800 shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 and discussed herein;with regard to the example environments 100, 200, 300, and 400 shown inFIGS. 1-4 and discussed herein, with regard to the example methodsand/or systems incorporated herein by reference, etc.). Such mediaoutput functionality may, for example, comprise generally performingmedia output functionality for the media system (e.g., performinggeneral audio and/or video outputting, for example for audio and/orvideo streaming, outputting media from local home-based or remote mediaservers, etc.). Also for example, as discussed herein, at least aportion of the media output functionality may, for example, compriseoutputting media received from other systems different from the mediasystem (e.g., media received at a home media system from a home orpremises security system, media received from a home or premisesautomation system, etc.).

The example media system component 900 may further, for example,comprise one or more on-board sensors 920. Various examples of suchsensors, for example with regard to user I/O, were discussed herein withregard to the user interface module 910. Many examples of the on-boardsensors 920 are presented herein. For example, the on-board sensors 920may comprise a motion detector, light detector, gas sensor, microphone,vibration sensor, infrared sensor, camera, scale, static sensor, touchpad, retinal scanner, fingerprint sensor, biometric detector, etc. Theon-board sensors 920 may, for example, be attached to and/orincorporated within a housing of the media component 900. Also, asdiscussed herein, in addition to the on-board sensors 920, the mediacomponent 900 may also comprise sensors that are off-board the component900 (e.g., not attached to and/or incorporated within a housing of thecomponent 900) but which are communicatively coupled to the component900.

The example media system component 900 may, for example, comprise asensor manager module 925. The sensor manager module 925 may, forexample, be operable perform any or all of the sensor-relatedfunctionality discussed herein (e.g., with regard to the example method500 shown in FIG. 5 and discussed herein; with regard to other methods600, 700, and 800 shown in FIGS. 6-8 and discussed herein; with regardto the example environments 100, 200, 300, and 400 shown in FIG. 1-4 anddiscussed herein; with regard to the example methods and/or systemsincorporated herein by reference, etc.).

For example, the sensor manager module 925 may be operable to interfacewith on-board sensors 920 and/or with off-board sensors (e.g., sensorsthat are not attached to and/or located with a housing of the mediasystem component 900). For example, when a reading from a sensor isdesired, the sensor manager module 925 may interface with the sensor toacquire the desired reading. Also for example, in another examplescenario, the sensor manager module 925 may operate to asynchronouslyreceive sensor measurement information from a sensor (e.g., on aninterrupt basis).

The sensor manager module 925 may, for example, be operable to interfacewith systems external to the media system (e.g., home security systems,home automation systems, etc.). For example, in an example scenario, thesensor manager module 925 of the media controller 111 may be operable toutilize the security system I/F module 956 to communicate with thesecurity system 202 (e.g., the security system controller 211) via thecommunication network 205. In such an example scenario, the sensormanager module 925 may, for example, be operable to interface with thesecurity system 202 at the application level (e.g., operating inaccordance with an application layer communication protocol that is alsounderstood and utilized by the security system 202). Also for example,in an example scenario, the sensor manager module 925 of the mediacontroller 111 may be operable to utilize the home automation system I/Fmodule 958 to communicate with the automation system 203 (e.g., theautomation system controller 311) via the network 205. In such anexample scenario, the sensor manager module 925 may, for example, beoperable to interface with the automation system 203 at the applicationlevel (e.g., operating in accordance with an application layercommunication protocol that is also understood and utilized by theautomation system 203).

Note that the sensor manager module 925 may also be operable tointerface with sensors of systems external to the media system of themedia system component 900. For example, the sensor manager module 925may utilize the security system interface module 956 to communicate witha sensor of a home security system (e.g., any of the sensors 220, 240,and 250 of the home security system 202), either via a controller of thesecurity system (e.g., the home security system controller 211) ordirectly via the communication network 205 and by-passing the securitysystem controller. Similarly, the sensor manager module 925 may utilizethe home automation system interface module 958 to communicate with asensor of a home automation system (e.g., any of the sensors orcontrollers 310 and 320 of the home automation system 203), either via acontroller of the home automation system (e.g., the home automationsystem controller 311) or directly via the communication network 205 andby-passing the home automation system controller.

The example media system component 900 may, for example, comprise amulti-way communication module 930. The multi-way (e.g., two-way,three-way, etc.) communication module 930 may, for example, be operableto perform any or all of the multi-way communication functionalitydiscussed herein (e.g., with regard to the example method 800 shown inFIG. 8 and discussed herein; with regard to the example methods 600 and700 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and discussed herein; with regard to othermethods discussed herein, with regard to the example environments 100,200, 300, and 400 shown in FIGS. 1-4 and discussed herein; with regardto the example methods and systems incorporated herein by reference,etc.).

For example, the multi-way communication module 930 may be operable tocommunicate with input and/or output devices of (e.g., on-board) themedia system component 900. For example, in an example scenario in whichthe multi-way communication module 930 is managing a two-waycommunication between a user of the media system component 900 of a homemedia system 201 and a home automation system 203, the multi-waycommunication module 930 may operate to communicate audio output mediato a speaker of the media system component 900 and receive audio inputmedia from a microphone of the media system component 900.

Also for example, the multi-way communication module 930 may be operableto communicate with input and/or output devices that are off-board yetcommunicatively coupled to the media system component 900. For example,in the example environments shown in FIGS. 1-4, the multi-waycommunication module 930 of the media system controller 111 may utilizethe media device interface module 952 to communicate with the othermedia devices of the media system 201. In an example scenario, the mediasystem controller 111 may utilize the media device interface module 952to communicate with a media device 133 that has audio input and outputcapability to output audio information to a user (e.g., through aloudspeaker) and receive input audio input from the user (e.g., througha microphone, through a loudspeaker being utilized as a microphone,etc.).

Further for example, the multi-way communication module 930 may, forexample, be operable to interface with systems external to the mediasystem (e.g., home security systems, home automation systems, etc.). Forexample, in an example scenario, the multi-way communication module 930of the media controller 111 may be operable to utilize the securitysystem I/F module 956 to communicate in a bi-directional manner with thesecurity system 202 (e.g., the security system controller 211) via thenetwork 205. In such an example scenario, the multi-way communicationmodule 930 may, for example, be operable to interface with the securitysystem 202 at the application level (e.g., operating in accordance withan application layer communication protocol that is also understood andutilized by the security system 202). Also for example, in an examplescenario, the multi-way communication module 930 of the media controller111 may be operable to utilize the home automation system I/F module 958to communicate in a bi-directional manner with the automation system 203(e.g., the automation system controller 311) via the communicationnetwork 205. In such an example scenario, the multi-way communicationmodule 930 may, for example, be operable to interface with theautomation system 203 at the application level (e.g., operating inaccordance with an application layer communication protocol that is alsounderstood and utilized by the automation system 203).

In an example scenario, the multi-way communication module 930 mayoperate to receive audio output information from the security system 202via the communication network 205 and the security system interfacemodule 956. The multi-way communication module 930 may operate toutilize the media device interface module 952 to communicate thereceived audio output information to any or all of the media devices ofthe media system 201 that have audio output capability. The multi-waycommunication module 930 may then operate to receive user inputinformation (e.g., from a user responding to the audio output) via themedia device interface module 952 from any of the media devices of themedia system 201 that have user input capability (e.g., touch inputcapability, audio input capability, smart phone input capability, etc.),and utilize the home automation system interface module 958 tocommunicate the received user input information to the home automationsystem 203 via the communication network 205.

In another example scenario, the multi-way communication module 930 mayoperate to receive a user audio command via the media device interfacemodule 952 from a media device of the media system 201 to change atemperature. The multi-way communication module 930 may then operate toforward the temperature change command to the home automation systemcontroller 311 via the home automation system interface module 958 andthe communication network 205. The multi-way communication module 930may then operate to receive an acknowledgement message from the homeautomation system 203 via the communication network 205 and the homeautomation system interface module 958, and utilize the media deviceinterface module 952 to output the acknowledgement message to the user.

The example media component 900 may, for example, comprise a processor990 (e.g., at least one) and a memory 995 (e.g., at least one). Any orall of the functionality or associated modules discussed herein may, forexample, be implemented in hardware and/or implemented using acombination of hardware and software (e.g., a processor operating inaccordance with software instructions stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium). For example, the processor 990 may operate inaccordance with software instructions stored in the memory 995 toimplement all or any part of the modules discussed herein. The processor990 may, for example, comprise one or more of a general-purposemicroprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, etc. The memory995 may, for example, comprise one or more of a non-volatile and/orvolatile memory. Note that the memory 995 may also be utilized forstoring media content, media presentation characteristics, user profileinformation, etc.

Though the example media system component 900 is generally discussedherein by example as a media system controller, the scope of thisdisclosure should not be limited by characteristics of such media systemcontroller example. For example, the component 900 may also beimplemented as a component of a system external to a media system. Forexample, the component 900 or any portion thereof may be implemented asa security system component (e.g., a home security system controller211, etc.), an automation system component (e.g., a home automationsystem controller 311, etc.), and/or any of a variety of other types ofsystem components.

Another example of a media system component (e.g., a media systemdevice) that is operable in accordance with various aspects of thisdisclosure is shown in FIG. 10. More particularly, FIG. 10 is a blockdiagram of an example media system component 1000, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present disclosure. The media system component1000 may, for example, share any or all characteristics with the examplecomponent 900 shown in FIG. 9 and discussed herein. The media systemcomponent 1000 may, for example, comprise a media device, for examplewith media input capability, user input capability, sensor operationcapability, etc. For example, the media system component 1000 maycomprise a loudspeaker component, a video monitor component, etc. Thefollowing discussion will generally refer to the media system component1000 as a media device.

The example media device 1000 may, for example, operate to or beoperable to perform any or all of the functionality discussed herein(e.g., with regard to the example methods 500, 600, 700, and 800illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 and discussed herein, and with regard to theexample environments 100, 200, 300, and 400 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 anddiscussed herein, with regard to the methods and systems incorporatedherein by reference, etc.). The media device 1000 may, for example,comprise any one or more of a variety of media system components. Forexample, the media device may comprise a loudspeaker, a video display, ahome or premises media controller, etc., but the scope of thisdisclosure is not limited thereto. The media device 1000 may, forexample, share any or all characteristics with the media devices 112,113, 114, 115 and 215, 121, 122, 131 and 331, 132, 133 and 233, 141 and341, 151 and 351, 161 and 261 and 361, 171 and 271 and 371, home mediasystem controller 111, etc.

The media device 1000 may, for example, comprise a power supply module1005. The power supply module 905 may, for example, share any or allcharacteristics with the power supply module 905 shown in FIG. 9 anddiscussed herein.

The example media device 1000 may also, for example, comprise a userinterface module 1010. The user interface module 1010 may, for example,share any or all characteristics with the user interface module 910 ofFIG. 9 and discussed herein.

The example media system component 1000 may additionally, for example,comprise one or more communication interface modules 1050. Thecommunication interface module(s) 1050 (e.g., the security systeminterface module 1056, home automation system interface module 1058,media server interface module 1054, network interface module 1051, mediadevice interface module 1052, etc.) may share any or all characteristicswith the communication interface module(s) 950 of the media systemcomponent 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 and discussed herein (e.g., with thesecurity system interface module 956, home automation system interfacemodule 958, media server interface module 954, network interface module951, and media device interface module 952, respectively).

The communication interface module(s) 1050 (e.g., a media controllerinterface module 953) may, for example, be operable to establish,maintain, and utilize communication links with a media system controller(e.g., a home media system controller 111 as discussed herein or anymedia system controller). Note that other communication interfacemodules (e.g., the security system interface module 1056, the homeautomation system interface module 1058, the media server interfacemodule 1054, the network interface module 1051, etc.) may communicatevia a communication network directly with their target devices, but mayalso utilize the media controller interface module 1053 to communicatewith such target devices via a media controller. For example, in anexample scenario, the security system interface module 1056 of mediadevice 132 may communicate directly with the security system controller211 via the communication network 205, but may also utilize the mediacontroller interface module 1053 to communicate with the security systemcontroller 211 via the home media system controller 111 and thecommunication network 205.

The example media device 1000 may, for example, comprise one or moremedia output devices 1016 (e.g., an on-board speaker, video display,etc.). Such media output devices 1016 may, for example, be on-board themedia device 1000 (e.g., attached to and/or within a housing of themedia device 1000) or may be off-board the media device 1000 andcommunicatively coupled thereto (e.g., communicatively coupled to themedia device 1000 via the media device interface module 1052). Variousmodules of the media device 1000 (e.g., the media output module 1015,multi-way communication module 1030, etc.) may utilize the media outputdevice 1016 to output media.

The example media device 1000 may further, for example, comprise one ormore on-board sensors 1020. The on-board sensor(s) 1020 may, forexample, share any or all characteristics with the example on-boardsensor(s) 920 of FIG. 9 and discussed herein. Many examples of theon-board sensors 1020 are presented herein. For example, the on-boardsensors 1020 may comprise a motion detector, light detector, gas sensor,microphone, vibration sensor, infrared sensor, camera, scale, staticsensor, touch pad, retinal scanner, fingerprint sensor, biometricdetector, etc. The on-board sensors 1020 may, for example, be attachedto and/or incorporated within a housing of the media device 1000. Also,as discussed herein, in addition to the on-board sensors 1020, the mediadevice 1000 may also comprise sensors that are off-board the device 1000(e.g., not attached to and/or incorporated within a housing of thedevice 1000) but which are communicatively coupled to the device 1000.

The example media device 1000 may, for example, comprise a sensormanager module 1025. The sensor manager module 1025 may, for example,share any or all characteristics with the sensor manager module 925 orthe example media component 900 shown in FIG. 9 and discussed herein

The example media device 1000 may, for example, comprise a multi-waycommunication module 1030. The multi-way (e.g., two-way, three-way,etc.) communication module 1030 may, for example, share any or allcharacteristics with the multi-way communication module 930 of theexample media component 900 shown in FIG. 9 and discussed herein.

The example media device 1000 may, for example, comprise a processor1090 (e.g., at least one) and a memory 1095 (e.g., at least one). Any orall of the functionality or associated modules discussed herein may, forexample, be implemented in hardware and/or implemented using acombination of hardware and software (e.g., a processor operating inaccordance with software instructions stored on a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium). For example, the processor 1090 may operatein accordance with software instructions stored in the memory 1095 toimplement all or any part of the modules discussed herein. The processor1090 may, for example, comprise one or more of a general-purposemicroprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an applicationspecific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, etc. The memory1095 may, for example, comprise one or more of a non-volatile and/orvolatile memory. Note that the memory 1095 may also be utilized forstoring media content, media presentation characteristics, user profileinformation, etc.

Though the example media system component 900 and/or example mediasystem device 1000 were shown as single units (e.g., in a singleenclosure), the scope of this disclosure is not limited to suchconfigurations. For example, the various example modules may beimplemented in a distributed manner in a plurality of respective mediasystem components and/or non-media system components. For example, thevarious example modules may be implemented in one or more securitysystem (e.g., home security system) components, in one or moreautomation system (e.g., home automation system) components, in one ormore media system (e.g., home media system) components, any combinationthereof, etc.

In summary, various aspects of this disclosure provide a system andmethod for integrating a home media system and other home systems. Whilethe foregoing has been described with reference to certain aspects andembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, manymodifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material tothe teachings of the disclosure without departing from its scope.Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to theparticular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the disclosure will includeall embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A home entertainment system, the homeentertainment system comprising: a central media controller located on ahome premises and comprising: at least one module operable to, at least:independently manage the presentation of home entertainment media ineach of a plurality of media presentation zones located throughout thehome premises; establish a communication link with a controller ofanother home system, the controller of the other home system beinglocated on the home premises, the controller of the other home systembeing operable to independently manage a plurality of devices locatedthroughout the home premises, wherein the presentation of the homeentertainment media in each of the plurality of media presentation zoneslocated throughout the home premises is independent of the communicationlink with the controller of the other home system, the other home systemcomprising: a home security system; and/or a home automation system thatoperates to control temperature, humidity, and/or light; and communicatewith the other home system over the communication link regardingutilization of a resource of the home entertainment system by the otherhome system.
 2. The home entertainment system of claim 1, wherein theresource comprises a sensor of the home entertainment system.
 3. Thehome entertainment system of claim 1, wherein the resource comprises amedia output device of the home entertainment system.
 4. The homeentertainment system of claim 1, wherein the resource comprises aresource within a loudspeaker enclosure of the home entertainmentsystem.
 5. The home entertainment system of claim 1, wherein theutilization of the resource comprises utilizing the resource to providea user output.
 6. The home entertainment system of claim 1, wherein theutilization of the resource comprises utilization of the resource toobtain a user input.
 7. The home entertainment system of claim 1,wherein the at least one module of the central media controller is partof a home entertainment system media hub.
 8. The home entertainmentsystem of claim 1, wherein the at least one module is part of aloudspeaker component that is adapted to output at least speech audio.9. A home entertainment system, the home entertainment systemcomprising: at least one module located on a home premises and operableto, at least: control a home entertainment system on the home premises;establish a communication link with a controller of another home systemon the home premises, the controller of the other home system beingoperable to independently manage a plurality of devices locatedthroughout the home premises, wherein the control of the homeentertainment system on the home premises is independent of thecommunication link with the controller of the other home system, theother home system comprising: a home security system; and/or a homeautomation system that operates to control temperature, humidity, and/orlight; utilize a sensor of the home entertainment system to sense acondition; and communicate with the other home system over thecommunication link regarding the sensed condition.
 10. The homeentertainment system of claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises one ormore sensors of: a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, a smoke sensor,and/or a motion detector, said one or more sensors being integrated intoa component of the home entertainment system.
 11. The home entertainmentsystem of claim 9, wherein the sensor comprises a microphone of ageneral-purpose loudspeaker component of the home entertainment system.12. The home entertainment system of claim 9, wherein the sensorcomprises a sensor within a loudspeaker enclosure of the homeentertainment system.
 13. The home entertainment system of claim 9,wherein the utilization of the sensor comprises utilization of thesensor to obtain a user input.
 14. The home entertainment system ofclaim 9, wherein the utilization of the sensor comprises utilization ofthe sensor to monitor an environmental condition over which the homeentertainment system has no control, where the environmental conditioncomprises temperature, humidity, and/or air quality.
 15. The homeentertainment system of claim 9, wherein the utilization of the sensorcomprises utilization of the sensor to determine a location and/orpresence of a person.
 16. The home entertainment system of claim 9,wherein: the at least one module is operable to receive a request fromthe other home system to utilize the sensor; and the at least one moduleis operable to utilize the sensor in response to the received request.17. The home entertainment system of claim 9, wherein the at least onemodule is part of a home entertainment system media hub located on thehome premises.
 18. The home entertainment system of claim 9, wherein theat least one module is part of a loudspeaker component that is adaptedto output at least speech audio.
 19. A home entertainment system, thehome entertainment system comprising: at least one module located on ahome premises and operable to, at least: establish a communication linkwith a controller of another home system, the other home systemcomprising a plurality of devices located throughout the home premisesto provide one or more of a home security system and/or a homeautomation system, the primary purpose of the other home system beingother than outputting entertainment media; communicate with the otherhome system over the communication link regarding utilization of a mediaoutput device of the home entertainment system by the other home systemto provide a user output; and utilize the media output device to providethe user output, wherein a primary purpose of the home entertainmentsystem is to provide entertainment media content to one or more mediapresentation zones on the home premises, wherein the home entertainmentsystem is configured to provide the entertainment media content to oneor more media presentation zones on the home premises independent of thecommunication link with the controller of the other home system.
 20. Thehome entertainment system of claim 19, wherein the media output devicecomprises a loudspeaker of the home entertainment system.
 21. The homeentertainment system of claim 19, wherein the at least one module isoperable to identify the media output device with which to provide theuser output based at least in part on user location.
 22. The homeentertainment system of claim 19, wherein the at least one module ispart of a home entertainment system media hub.
 23. The homeentertainment system of claim 19, wherein the at least one module ispart of a general-purpose loudspeaker component of the homeentertainment system.